The Heath & Integrative Physiology (HIP) lab is a shared biochemistry laboratory housed within the Department of Kinesiology and Health Education. The HIP lab is BSL-2 certified and has the requisite equipment and resources to perform a variety of biochemical analyses, to perform phlebotomy, and is also certified for CLIA-waived testing using point-of-care instrumentation. The HIP lab is a shared resource, expanding the capabilities of researchers in the department and providing training opportunities for graduate students. For those outside the department, options for fee-based research services are available.
Resources
- A designated room for phlebotomy
- CLIA-waived, point-of-care testing for HbA1c, glucose, and lipids
- Designated space for conducting interviews and completing surveys
- Equipment to perform ELISA’s (to quantify single analytes) and to perform multiplex assays (to quantify a panel of analytes simultaneously)
- Automated western blotting capability
- Equipment for targeted metabolomics: fatty acids and amino acids
Research
Exercise science is the study of how our anatomy and physiology change in response to the stimuli of acute and chronic exercise and how these changes are related to health, disease, physical function, and performance. In general, research in the HIP lab focuses on understanding the underlying mechanisms involved in the development and progression of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. More specifically, current research is focused on investigating altered neuro-cardiovascular responses to exercise along with the development of neuropathy in diabetes.
Collaborations
Integrative research such as this requires a multi-disciplinary approach. This is accomplished through highly valued collaborations with others both in academia and in industry. New collaborations are always welcome!
Dr. Mackenzie Howard PhD, Research Assistant Professor, Director of Howard Neuro Lab, UT Austin